Kalonzo defends Cord’s opposition role

Former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka has defended the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (Cord) leadership in both Houses of Parliament against accusations of poor leadership.

A statement from Mr Musyoka’s press team said the coalition is fully satisfied with the leadership of Senator Moses Wetang'ula as Minority leader in the Senate and Hon. Francis Nyenze as minority leader in Parliament.

Mr Musyoka added that there is no leadership vacuum in the opposition in the absence of Cord’s leader Raila Odinga. Mr Odinga has extended his visit to the US by another month causing anxiety among his supporters.

(READ: Opposition in limbo as Raila Odinga extends US visit)

The Wiper Democratic leader stated that Cord leaders, who include himself, Mr Odinga and Mr Wetang'ula have held regular consultations with the House leadership and any issues arising have been dealt with decisively and thus there was no cause for alarm.

“As Cord coalition we have been meeting when there is any matter arising whether in Parliament or at the Senate and we have dealt with it decisively, so I want to assure Kenyans the so called opposition limbo is just a myth,” Mr Musyoka said.

The former VP was speaking at Uthini ABC Church in Kawethei, Kangundo in Machakos County during a fundraiser in aid of the church at the weekend.

Mr Musyoka said the coalition is steadily on course and has played its role as the opposition and corrected the Jubilee government when in the wrong.

“We have actively put this Jubilee government on notice over several issues which we believe they have mishandled or not delivered. We are still demanding as the opposition to know what exactly happened at Westgate because the committee of parliament gave an unsatisfactory report and still President Kenyatta had assured to appoint a commission of inquiry which he has not done so far,” Mr Musyoka said.

Suna East MP Junet Mohamed ignited calls for the removal of Mr Wetang'ula and Mr Nyenze last week, saying the two together with deputy Minority Leader in the National Assembly Jakoyo Midiwo, Cord chief whip Gideon Mungaro and his deputy Chris Wamalwa had failed in leading the opposition to check the government in both Houses of Parliament.